Senior Cloud Specialist

Job Title: Sr. Cloud Specialist
Job Location: Jackson, MS
Position Type : Contract
Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite
Work Schedule; Monday Friday, 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
Contract Duration 8 months.
Visa: Open
Experience level: 9 years

Primary skills:
AWS, Microsoft Azure, GCP, Cloud Architecture, Cloud Migration, IaaS, PaaS, Cloud Networking, VPC, Firewalls, Virtual Machines, Windows Server, Active Directory, Linux, Microsoft 365, PowerShell, Python, Bash, Automation, Cloud Security, Cloud Compliance, Data Protection, Cloud Infrastructure, Networking, Storage, Performance Optimization, Scalability, Cost Optimization, Audit Controls, VMware vSphere

Job Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Cloud Specialist to support a cloud migration initiative involving the design, implementation, security, optimization, and ongoing management of cloud-based infrastructure.

The Cloud Specialist will develop and modify scalable cloud architecture supporting Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) environments. The role will be responsible for securely migrating on-premises applications, workloads, and databases to public cloud platforms while ensuring security, compliance, performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

The ideal candidate will have strong expertise with AWS and/or Microsoft Azure, cloud networking, virtualization, Windows Server, Active Directory, Linux, automation, and scripting.

Key Responsibilities / Daily Duties

• Design, develop, and modify scalable cloud architectures supporting IaaS and PaaS platforms.

• Support cloud migration of existing on-premises applications, workloads, and databases to public cloud environments.

• Ensure cloud environments meet applicable security, compliance, data protection, and privacy requirements.

• Monitor and analyze cloud infrastructure performance and proactively identify and resolve issues.

• Optimize cloud environments for performance, scalability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

• Design and implement controls and processes using available cloud audit tools.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and maintain effective cloud solutions.

• Manage and administer virtual machines and cloud infrastructure.

• Support Windows Server and Active Directory environments.

• Perform Linux administration as required.

• Develop and maintain automation using scripting languages such as PowerShell, Python, and Bash.

• Configure and support cloud networking, virtual private clouds (VPCs), firewalls, and related infrastructure.

• Maintain current and extensive knowledge of cloud products, technologies, and best practices.

• Troubleshoot infrastructure and cloud-related issues and implement appropriate solutions.

• Support ongoing improvements to cloud architecture and operational processes.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Strong proficiency with at least one major public cloud platform: AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

• Experience with cloud automation and scripting using Python, Bash, and/or PowerShell.

• Strong understanding of cloud networking, Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs), and firewalls.

• Advanced experience with virtual machine management.

• Advanced experience with Microsoft Windows Server.

• Experience with Active Directory administration.

• Strong networking knowledge.

• Experience with Microsoft 365.

• Ability to design and support scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud environments.

• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional technical teams.

Preferred Skills

• 9+ years of experience with AWS and/or Microsoft Azure.

• Prior experience working in government or regulated industries.

• Advanced Linux administration.

• Experience with VMware vSphere.

• Experience with Python scripting.

• Experience with Bash scripting.

• Cloud storage administration and management.

• Experience with cloud security, compliance, and audit controls.

Key Competencies

• Cloud Architecture & Infrastructure

• Cloud Migration

• AWS/Azure Administration

• Cloud Networking

• Infrastructure Security

• Virtualization & VM Management

• Windows Server Administration

• Active Directory

• Linux Administration

• Automation & Scripting

• Performance Monitoring

• Troubleshooting & Problem Resolution

• Scalability & Cost Optimization

• Compliance & Audit Controls

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work Environment : This is a 100% onsite position. The role requires collaboration with cross-functional teams and hands-on involvement in cloud infrastructure, migration, administration, monitoring, security, and optimization activities.